From 52cb4958b6279043d1540537d1b150594cc1aee7 Mon Sep 17 00:00:00 2001 From: RISCi_ATOM Date: Fri, 4 Aug 2017 21:39:22 -0400 Subject: [PATCH] Start to add some old docs from fossil repo. --- old/Save_WiFi.md | 24 ++++++++++++++++++++++++ 1 file changed, 24 insertions(+) create mode 100644 old/Save_WiFi.md diff --git a/old/Save_WiFi.md b/old/Save_WiFi.md new file mode 100644 index 0000000..9efd7c8 --- /dev/null +++ b/old/Save_WiFi.md @@ -0,0 +1,24 @@ +# Will you help us save WiFi ? + +For as long as the libreCMC and LibreWRT projects have existed, their core focus has been to +bring Free Software to embedded devices, some of which have WiFi chipsets. While the project(s) +core goals have not changed very much over the last few years, the landscape of WiFi enabled devices +has exploded. Many of the radios in these devices went from being single-purpose radios that can only +operate within certain ranges to modifiable SDRs that can be changed. While having the freedom to change +one's own hardware is important, it is also important to operate radio equipment within regulatory laws. + +Since a few individuals have operated devices outside of regulations, the FCC and other regulatory bodies are proposing tighter +restrictions on hardware that has WiFi or SDRs. These new restrictions would include a full lockout of third-party software +and prevent users from updating or running new software on hardware they own. With these new digital locks, hardware vendors +will exercise control over the user by preventing new innovative functionality or even preventing users from applying critical security patches. + +These new regulations won't work the way they are intended to and they should not be required. Users with the technical knowledge +will still be able to get around the restrictions and load their own software. Most free software projects +already put safeguards in place so that users can't accidentally violate regulatory rules that apply to their WiFi or SDR devices, unless +they choose to remove them on purpose. Instead of punishing everyone in the Free Software community for the actions of a few, individuals +who operate devices outside of regulations should be fined instead of taking away everyone's freedom. + +The libreCMC project and other members of the Free Software community would like to ask everyone to send a comment +to the FCC about these new proposals and why they won't help fix the misuse of WiFi or SDRs. More information +about this issue and how to submit comments can be found at [SaveWiFi.org](http://savewifi.org). + -- 2.25.1